The Chief Editor of The Reporter Magazine, Bewket Abebe, was detained for three days for “entering the Wolqait area without a special permit” and for taking random photos on the streets of Humera Town.
Officials warned that journalists are required to obtain “specialized permits not only to conduct professional work but also to enter the zone.”
Prior to his arrest on March 21, Bewket had arranged several interviews, including a tentatively scheduled meeting with Ashete Demilew, the administrator of what has been called the “Wolqait Tegede Setit Humera Zone” since the northern war.
In fact, the leadership was apprised of the editor’s travel itinerary and the intent of his visit, and was reportedly informed of his arrest within the first few hours. However, Bewket remained in custody for three days and three nights without formal charges.
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Reflecting on his experience, Bewket noted that the detention center in Setit Humera (where he was held in custody from March 21 to March 24, 2026) houses both long-term prisoners and short-term detainees. He observed that the facility processed an average of 100 individuals daily during his stay, highlighting a high rate of arrests in the particular area.
The particular area is currently characterized by a heavy presence of both federal and local security forces.
